Secrest Auditorium is worthy of a discussion

We are often faced with the decision of choosing what we need over what we want. It's just a fact of life, and especially true in today's economy.

Keeping budgets in-check can be difficult for private citizens and down right exasperating for government officials, particularly when taxpayers do not agree with how their money is spent.

A story in the TR last week about the future of Secrest Auditorium has stirred some chatter in the community. Some people believe the auditorium should be restored, while others see it as a money pit. There's no denying the weathered exterior of the nearly 74-year-old facility is in desperate need of repair. The west wall and the roof need work, and the air conditioning unit needs replaced. These basic essentials come with a price tag of $1 million and, when it comes to funding the operations of the city, the auditorium has not a priority.

Still, Secrest is a gem in our community. There's no refuting an auditorium that seats approximately 1,800 people is unusual in a city the size of Zanesville, except in college towns. Nationally-known entertainers have graced the stage over the years, as have a legion of our children who have eagerly showcased their vocal abilities or dance moves. There's no other local facility that can accommodate this many people. It has one of the largest stages in Southeastern Ohio. The lower level of the auditorium can house another 400 people, and is rented for parties, receptions and the like. It's a community asset we should preserve and maintain. The question is, how to pay for it.

Mayor Jeff Tilton and the Ways and Means committee are looking at options to answer that question, and we applaud them for doing so. It would be much easier in these financially-strained times to turn a blind eye to Secrest, as others have done in the past.

That's why we appreciate the options put forth - including issuing bonds, applying for grants/loans, a tax levy or turning the management over to a private firm. We hope city council and the community can have open communications, as well as open minds, when discussing the fate of this treasure.

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Secrest Auditorium is worthy of a discussion

We are often faced with the decision of choosing what we need over what we want. It's just a fact of life, and especially true in today's economy.